Last Updated: Sep 05, 2023 Views: 8339

You can search for books and eBooks using the Online Library Catalog by following these steps:

  1. Go to the Online Library Catalog by clicking on the link provided. Alternatively, you can use the search box on the Find Books & EBooks page.
  2. Locate the search box and using the dropdown provided, choose whether you would like to search for books and eBooks by keyword, author, title, etc.
    • The default choice is to search by keyword--this is usually a good choice if you have a topic in mind that you'd like to search for (e.g. books on Hinduism). See the FAQ: How do I use a keyword search to find sources on my topic? for more information.
    • Choose author or title if you have a specific book in mind and you know either the authors name or the title of the book (e.g. you are searching for the book "The Da Vinci Code").
  3. Enter your search terms in the search box and click "Search" or "Submit".
  4. Your search results should appear in a list in order of relevancy (e.i. the resources that are most relevant to your search terms will be listed at the top).
    • When viewing the results, notice the resource icons to the left of each entry. These icons will tell you what type of material you are looking at (e.g. books, eBooks, streaming video, etc.):

      Resource icons for books, ebooks, games, videos

    • For each result, you should see title, author, and some publication information. Additionally, if the resource is a print material you should see a box with the location, call number and availability (status) of the material:

      Sample Record

    • The location tells you where the material is physically located in the library. If you don't know what a location means, click on it for more detailed information. The call number is used to look up the book on the shelf. If you don't know how to look up a book by call number, watch the video Understanding Call Numbers This link opens in a new window or ask for help at the information desk (you can contact them at library@snhu.libanswers.com). Finally, the status tells you if the material is available for check out, if it's only available to be used inside the library, when the material is due back (if someone else has it checked out), etc.
  5. Once you've found a book you'd like to use you may choose to:
    • Write down the call number and if the status indicates it is available, go get it to use or take home. Print materials only.
    • Request it be placed on hold for you or sent to you (Online only). Print materials only.
  6. Once you've found an eBook you'd like to use you may choose to:
    • Open and read it by clicking on the title of the eBook, then selecting the link on the record which provides electronic access. EBooks and other electronic materials only.
      • For example, click on this link in the eBook record to open the eBook and start reading:

        Sample Detailed Record

 

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